Painter&#39;s tool tray

ABSTRACT

A topple resistant receptacle having a paint can securing means formed therein surrounded by a spill retaining wall, and a kit containing the receptacle, a paint can slot shield and a ladder hook for securing the receptacle to a ladder.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable receptacle and kit containing same, arranged to securely retain paint containers, brushes and other painter's tools in an organized, spill resistant manner for convenient job site use and workman handling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When painting homes, offices and commercial properties, a painter generally is required to move open containers of paint and the various tools and brushes that are being worked with, to convenient positions around the work-site. Open containers of paint sitting around the work-site are inviting accidents for careless workers or others, while hand tools disappear in the folds of drop cloths where they have been placed and forgotten. It is not unusual for an open paint container to have wet paint accumulated along its rim, dripping down its sides and soaking a drop cloth and/or uncovered floor or worse. Paint brushes carefully laid across the top of the paint container find ways to fall to the floor to soil it, or fall into the container to make subsequent handling of them messy. Open paint containers, kicked by a careless walker, bumped with a ladder or suddenly moved with a straightened drop cloth, topple or scatter paint on the wall or floor, or overturn and soak through the drop cloth to the floor. Hand tools which have become covered with wet paint, soak through the drop cloth they sit on, to the floor. Tools found and dropped where they are used, are lost in the folds of drop cloths.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a-kit comprising a portable combination receptacle which can serve as a convenient stable receptacle for paint containers and other painting tools, and a means for securing a painters brush within an open paint container.

[0004] It is a further object of the invention to provide a large footprint receptacle, to which paint containers can be removably mounted, which provide increased resistance to paint container spills.

[0005] A still further object of the invention is to provide a multi-use receptacle which provides a convenient surface on which painters tools can be organized and safely retained.

[0006] A still further object of the invention is to provide a combination receptacle which is portable for easy moving, to which paint containers and various painting tools can be mounted for increased stability from inadvertent spills.

[0007] These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following recitation of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is to a painter's portable tool kit, comprising a topple resistant receptacle for securing a paint can and painters's tools from accidental toppling at the work-site, a slot shield with paint brush securing and/or bristle wiping means, a paint can adapter plate, and a ladder hook.

[0009] The topple resistant receptacle is a generally shallow pan shaped container, having a generally flat bottom surface and a top surface comprising a paint can securing means surrounded by a spill retaining wall. In a preferred embodiment, the surface area of the bottom surface is generally at least twice the surface area of the bottom of a conventional cylindrical gallon paint can.

[0010] The spill retaining wall comprises a barrier for restraining the flow of liquids within the receptacle, the retaining wall extending upwardly from the top surface of the receptacle and together with the top surface forms a liquid holding well of sufficient volume to retain liquid which may spill and/or leak from a paint container secured within the well. In a preferred embodiment the height of the retaining wall is at least sufficient so that the volume of the liquid holding well formed within the area surrounded by the retaining wall is greater than about 30 in³.

[0011] The retaining wall can generally be formed anywhere within the boundary of the receptacle, providing it surrounds the paint can securing means, but in a preferred embodiment is arranged along about the periphery of the interior surface of the receptacle and is dimensioned greater than about ⅜ inch in height.

[0012] The receptacle can be formed from any suitable material, plastic, metal and/or cellulosic materials being preferred. A receptacle molded from new and/or recycled cellulosic material is a particularly inexpensive receptacle for throw-away use. A metal formed receptacle, preferably rust resistant or treated to be rust resistant is also inexpensively manufactured and is typically lighter in weight than a plastic or cellulose formed receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle is formed from a plastic material, preferably a flexible plastic material.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle is molded from a flexible polymeric material and the spill retaining wall is positioned about around the perimeter of the receptacle. In a further preferred embodiment, the retaining wall is a double-walled arrangement comprising generally parallel, spaced inner and outer walls connected along their top and/or bottom margins. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the retaining wall is a double-walled arrangement connected together along their top margins with the bottom margin of the outer wall, as viewed from the bottom surface, generally defining one side of an open slot between the double walls. The bottom margin of the outer wall may be outwardly or inwardly curved so that the outer edge thereof faces toward or away from the body of the receptacle, but in a preferred embodiment the edge of the outer wall faces downwardly along the perimeter of the receptacle.

[0014] The double-walled arrangement allows the exterior outer wall to bend and absorb shock separately from the inner wall, reducing the intensity of the reactive movement of any fluid in a paint can mounted to the receptacle and thus reducing the probability of spill from the can when the outer wall is bumped or the like from the side. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the edge of the outer wall faces downwardly and extends slightly below the plane of the bottom surface of the receptacle, such slight downwardly extension of the edge of the outer wall tending to increase resistance to sliding movement of the receptacle when it is resting on a drop cloth, rug and the like. In another embodiment the bottom surface of the receptacle is roughened and/or contains ribs, projections or the like which engage a flexible surface on which it rests to further resist sliding movement.

[0015] Generally, the receptacle can be of any convenient polygonal, curved, combined or the like shape. In a preferred embodiment for use with convention cylindrical paint containers, the receptacle is in the form of a flat, shallow elongate pan having a double walled spill retainer wall along its perimeter, with a first end of the pan having the spill retaining wall forming a generally rectilinear shape and the opposite end having a curved spill retaining wall. Such combined shape has advantages over a round, oblong or polygonal form. The curved end allows the convenient placement of a typical cylindrical paint can securing means closely adjacent to the curved retaining wall allowing easy one-handed lifting of the receptacle at the curved end by minimizing the leveraging effect of the weight of a liquid filled paint can, while the rectangular end maximizes shelf space for holding painters tools, and allows close placement of the receptacle to walls and/or corners.

[0016] Placement of the retainer wall at or about the perimeter, particularly the double-walled embodiment, provides structural mass for one-handed gripping of the receptacle, an outer wall for absorption of shock from kicking or the like and a flexible edge for resisting sliding movement. The top surface joining the walls, provides a surface on which guide means or the like can be mounted and/or molded for enabling an organized and/or secured placement of painter's tool handles or the like, and secure stacking means.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, two or more elongate guides are arranged on a top surface connecting spaced retaining walls on a generally rectilinear end of a receptacle, spaced apart to enable positioning and/or securing a painters tool or the like between them. The guides may even be spaced to standard dimensions of particular painters tools, for example brush and/or scrapper handles, enabled to grip tools therebetween and securing them from inadvertent movement. The guides may be sized and dimensioned to insert into the slot between the double-wall of the receptacle, such that upon stacking receptacles the guides of a bottom receptacle insert between the spaced walls of the top receptacle, securing adjacent receptacles in an organized stack for shipping convenience.

[0018] In an embodiment useful for polygonal shaped paint containers, the form of the receptacle is generally polygonal, preferably rectilinear, and most preferably oblong rectilinear.

[0019] The paint can securing means can be any convenient means for removably mounting a paint can to the receptacle. Standard commercial paint containers generally include quart and gallon cylindrical cans as well as recently commercialized rectilinear containers. Standard metallic cylindrical and rectilinear pint, quart and gallon containers are generally formed to comprise a generally flat base having a ridge encircling its perimeter formed from connecting the sides to the base. Such ridge protrudes outwardly from the sides and/or downwardly from the base and can be conveniently grasped by suitable means for securing the can to receptacle. Recently commercialized plastic rectilinear containers having rectilinear bases generally comprise a suitable ridge along the side(s) of the container proximate the perimeter of the base, which can also be conveniently grasped by suitable securing means.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention the securing means engages the inside surface of a ridge protruding downwardly along the perimeter of the base of a paint container to secure it to the receptacle. Such securing means generally comprises a raised shoulder on the top surface of the receptacle, sized and dimensioned so that the shoulder fits closely within the boundary formed by the protruding ridge around the base and engages the inside surface thereof at points along the ridge. In such embodiment the raised shoulder is sufficiently resilient to enable forced insertion of the shoulder into the area formed by the downwardly protruding ridge and has sufficient structural memory to maintain a restraining grip on the ridge. The raised shoulder is generally rectilinear or circular to conform to the inside margin of the ridge, and may contain one or more longitudinal or vertical ribs or the like thereon to improve the grip of the shoulder against the protruding ridge along the perimeter of the base. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a rectilinear or cylindrical shoulder comprises a longitudinal ridge along the surface of a resilient shoulder which engages the ridge of the container to resist removal of the container from the paint can securing means.

[0021] In a another embodiment, the securing means engages the exterior surface of a protruding ridge of a paint container to secure it to the receptacle. In such embodiment the securing means generally comprising one or more raised shoulders on the top surface of the receptacle, sized and dimensioned to engage the outside surface of the protruding ridge. In this embodiment, the raised shoulder(s) is generally flexible to enable forced insertion of base of the container into the area surrounded by the raised shoulder, and the surface of the shoulder engaging the protruding ridge may contain one or more horizontal or vertical ribs or the like to resist removal of the protruding ridge from engagement.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle comprises a plurality of separate securing means, generally comprising raised shoulders arranged concentric to each other. In one embodiment a first circular raised shoulder is dimensioned and sized to engage the inner or outer surface of a ridge of a first standard cylindrical paint container with second or more concentric circling raised shoulders sized and dimensioned to engage the inner or outer surface of larger second or other larger sized cylindrical paint container ridges. Thus for example a first circular upwardly extending raised shoulder is dimensioned to engage the side and/or top of the circular ridge along the base of a cylindrical pint paint container with the bottom of the circular ridge of the container engaging and being supported by the upper surface of the receptacle. A second circular shoulder, generally concentric to the first, extending upwardly slightly higher than the first shoulder is dimensioned to engage the side and/or top of the circular ridge along the base of a cylindrical quart paint container, and comprises a base ridge on the inside surface thereof which engages and supports the bottom of a base ridge of a cylindrical quart paint container at or above the height of the first circular shoulder. A third still higher raised shoulder with appropriate base ridge engages a ridge of a cylindrical gallon circular paint container and supports same at or above the height of the second circular shoulder. In a similar manner, generally concentric polygonal raised shoulders can be arranged to engage different sized rectilinear paint cans with base ridges.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment the receptacle comprises one or more generally polygonal raised shoulders sized and dimensioned to closely surround polygonal bases of rectilinear paint containers formed from plastic. Generally, plastic rectilinear containers do not comprise the base ridge generally found on metal cylindrical and polygonal containers, and the raised shoulder comprising the securing means is generally sized and dimensioned to engage the outside surface of the wall of the container. In such embodiment the raised shoulder is generally taller than the raised shoulder for cylindrical metal can embodiments, but again, the presence of one or more horizontal or vertical ribs therein improves the security of the container to the receptacle.

[0024] In a still further embodiment, a kit containing a receptacle having a paint can securing means arranged to engage one or more cylindrical paint cans, additionally comprises a removable paint can securing means. In such arrangement the removable paint can securing means comprises a base having a circular raised ridge configured to engage a circular securing means of the receptacle and an upper section comprising a raised shoulder or the like for engaging an unusual sized cylindrical can and/or a rectilinear paint container. Alternately, the additional removable paint can securing means may comprise a base having a rectilinear raised ridge configured to engage a rectilinear securing means of the receptacle and an upper section comprising a raised shoulder or the like for engaging a different sized rectilinear can and/or one or more cylindrical paint containers.

[0025] The kit of the invention may further comprise means for securing a topple resistant receptacle to conventional ladders. Generally, a topple resistant receptacle of the invention can be sized and dimensioned to be conveniently and securely positioned on a pivoting ladder tray conventionally found on typical folding step ladders. In one embodiment of such topple resistant receptacle, one end thereof comprises a slot and/or one or more permanent, movable or removable “L” shaped legs are arranged to slide under a conventional pivoting ladder tray of a step ladder and retain the topple resistant receptacle to the ladder tray.

[0026] In another embodiment, particularly useful for retaining a topple resistant receptacle between rungs of a conventional straight ladder, the means for securing the topple resistant receptacle comprises an elongate ladder hook, having a hooked end configured to removably mount to a rung of a ladder and an opposite end arranged to connect to an end of the receptacle. In such arrangement, a first end of a topple resistant receptacle is positioned to rest securely on a lower rung of a ladder while a second end of the receptacle is mounted to the opposite end of the elongate ladder hook means holding the receptacle in a fixed, generally horizontal position when the ladder is leaned against a wall or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the hooked end comprises a generally “U” shaped hook or loop, dimensioned and configured to mount to a generally cylindrical higher rung, and at its lower end means for mounting the receptacle thereto.

[0027] A variety of suitable means for mounting the receptacle to the elongate ladder hook means are contemplated. Thus for example, in a spaced double walled embodiment of the receptacle, suitable ladder hook means can include a simple “U” shaped arrangement at the lower end thereof dimensioned to insert within the slot between the walls of an open double-walled receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall comprises an opening therein through which the opposite end of the ladder hook can be inserted. In a further preferred embodiment the outer wall comprises a key slot opening having a generally rectilinear slot an enlarged round opening at an end thereof, and the opposite end of the ladder hook is dimensioned to slide in the matching slot key with an enlarged head enabled to allow inserting through the enlarged round opening of the key slot but resist removal when positioned along the rectilinear slot.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the ladder hook comprises a generally “U” shaped first end configured to removably mount to a rung of a ladder and two or more spaced opposite ends arranged to connect at spaced positions to the second end of the receptacle. In a particularly preferred embodiment the ladder hook is formed from a single wire rod, folded over to form closely spaced generally parallel rods connected at one end. The connected end is shaped to form the generally “U” shaped first end of the grasping means and spaced therefrom the generally parallel rods are thereafter bent away from each other to form two spaced opposite ends of the grasping means. The opposite ends are spaced to engage spaced points along the opposite end of the receptacle, preferable opposing points along the perimeter of the receptacle. In a particularly preferred embodiment the opposite ends are bent to form a generally “V” configuration, the outer wall of the receptacle comprises opposing holes and the opposite ends are inserted in mating opposing holes. In a still further embodiment, the first end of the ladder hook comprises a further hook to engage and support a typical cylindrical paint can handle.

[0029] Conventional paint containers, are typically cylindrical cans which have covers that fasten to the top of the can by forcing a raised circular shoulder contained on the cover, into a mating circular attachment slot along about the edge of the top of the cylindrical can. In typical painting technique, a painters brush is dipped into paint in the cylindrical can and excess paint is wiped from the brush by dragging the bristles along the side of the brush along the inside edge of the opening to the can. Since the can opening is cylindrical and most painters brushes have straight sides, the center of the brush gets very little wiping action and becomes over-filled with paint. Typically, repeated wiping action results in paint dripping into the mating circular attachment slot of the cylindrical can, which fouls the slot and reduces the efficiency of seal between the can and the cover.

[0030] The brush tending means of the invention generally comprises a slot shielding disk having a large central opening therein, containing means for wiping paint from a brush spaced from the inside edge of the can to resist the dripping of wiped paint into a cylindrical attachment slot of a conventional paint container.

[0031] In one embodiment of the slot shield, the central opening of the disk is generally circular, the exterior perimeter of the disk is sized larger than the outside diameter of a conventional cylindrical paint can, and the diameter of the generally circular central opening in the disk is sized smaller than the interior diameter of the opening of such conventional cylindrical paint can. The bottom side of the disk comprises generally concentric first and second raised shoulders along about or adjacent to its interior and exterior perimeters respectively. The first shoulder is sized and dimensioned to engage the inside perimeter of the opening to the cylindrical paint can and the second shoulder is sized and dimensioned to engage the outside perimeter of the cylindrical can and securely grip the top of the can between the shoulders sufficient to resist casual removal of the disk from the cylindrical can.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the raised shoulder along about the interior perimeter of the disk, comprises a raised ridge which extends outwardly toward the concentric exterior raised shoulder of the disk, the raised ridge being dimensioned to forcibly engage a ridge generally comprised along the interior perimeter of the opening of conventional metal cylindrical paint cans for greater grip thereto. In a further embodiment, the disk comprises a gripping tab along its perimeter to assist in removal of the disk from a tight fit over a can, such tab generally comprising a protrusion along the exterior perimeter of the disk which can be readily grasped and typically including a small opening therein for convenient hanging storage.

[0033] The top side of the disk generally comprises a raised wiping shield arranged along about its generally circular interior perimeter, and adjacent thereto a generally straight edge extends as a cord between spaced points along the perimeter of the generally circular central opening, comprising the wiping bar. In such arrangement, when the bristles of a brush are drawn against the wiping edge of the wiping bar to remove the majority of excess paint, the generally straight edge of the wiping bar assures even wiping along the generally straight side of the brush. The raised shield adjacent the wiping bar assures that paint wiped off the brush stays within the general confines of the central opening and allows two stage wiping of the brush to either further wipe the brush or to prevent unintended dripping of paint onto the top surface of the brush tender.

[0034] In another embodiment, the top exterior perimeter of the disk comprises a ridge or the like which resists the flow of paint which may drip on the top surface of the disk from flowing over the exterior edge of the disk. In another embodiment, the top surface of the disk is arranged so that when mounted to the top of a can, the disk is inclined from the outside perimeter thereof toward the inside perimeter, to enable paint which may drip thereon to flow toward the interior of the paint container.

[0035] The wiping bar can be of any convenient size and dimension. Thus, a wiping bar may be a narrow flat or rounded bar extending as a cord from one point along the interior diameter to another point, with an opening in the arc between it and the interior perimeter of the disk, or may be filled from one point to the other. Generally it is preferred to have an opening of some nature between the edge of the cord and the interior perimeter of the disk to enable excess paint which may be wiped from a brush to drain into the container. In a preferred embodiment, the wiping shield extends beyond the boundaries of the cord formed by the wiping bar. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wiping bar comprises an angled side wipe bar extending therefrom which enables the simultaneous wiping of a wide first side and an adjacent narrow side of the brush.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment the brush tending or slot shield disk comprises means for securing a paint brush in an upright position in the paint container. Any suitable securing means is appropriate, but a particularly preferred means comprises a resilient gripping means arranged to secure a plurality of variable sized painter's brushes to the brush tending disk.

[0037] In one embodiment, the brush tending means comprises an elongate resilient member, which is arranged within the central opening of the disk in a normal position with a gripping surface thereof proximate to or engaging a backing surface along the interior perimeter of the disk in such manner that forcibly deforming the resilient member from its resting position moves the gripping surface thereof away from the backing surface sufficient to place a painting brush therebetween and release of the resilient member forcibly engages and secures the brush between the gripping surface and the backing surface.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the elongate resilient member is molded to the disk and comprises a finger grip at about its remote end to enable convenient forced deforming of the member from its resting position. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the backing surface comprises a raised wiping shield along the top surface of a cord between spaced points along the perimeter of a generally round central opening.

[0039] The above features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those having skill in the art from the following written description, drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a topple resistant receptacle of the invention.

[0041]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the receptacle of FIG. 1.

[0042]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 1 taken along about line A-A′ of FIG. 2.

[0043]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another topple resistant receptacle of the invention.

[0044]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the receptacle of FIG. 4.

[0045]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 4 taken along about line B-B′ of FIG. 5.

[0046]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a brush tending disk of the invention.

[0047]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the disk of FIG. 7 taken along about line C-C′ thereof.

[0048]FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the disk of FIG. 7.

[0049]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a further brush tending disk of the invention.

[0050]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the disk of FIG. 10 taken along about line D-D′ thereof.

[0051]FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the disk of FIG. 10.

[0052]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an adapter plate of the invention.

[0053]FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the adopter plate of FIG. 13.

[0054]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter plate of FIG. 13 taken along about line E-E′ thereof.

[0055]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a ladder hook of the invention showing attachment to a receptacle of the invention in phantom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention.

[0057] Turning first to FIGS. 1-3, wherein an embodiment of a topple resistant receptacle of the invention is illustrated as being a molded plastic, generally shallow pan shaped receptacle, having a generally flat bottom surface 10, a generally rectangular first end 11, a generally circularly curved second end 12, and a top surface 13 comprising generally concentric paint can securing means illustrated as raised shoulders 14 and 15 surrounded by spill retaining wall 16. Spill retaining wall 16 is illustrated as a double walled structure comprising inner wall 16 a and outer wall 16 b spaced apart by slot 16 c. Connecting edge 16 d, connects outer wall 16 b to inner wall 16 a and is illustrated as comprising elongate guide members 17, which are sized and dimensioned to insert into slot 16 c to enable stacking of multiple receptacles of the same or similar embodiment and are spaced apart to provide a defined area to rest the handle or the like of a painters tool therein.

[0058] In this illustrated embodiment, raised shoulders 14 and 15 comprising the paint can securing means, are shown as being generally concentric, circular raised shoulders which intimately molded with and extending upwardly from the top surface 13 of the receptacle. Raised shoulder 15 is illustrated as of greater diameter and raising higher from top surface 13 of the receptacle than raised shoulder 14, both being configured to secure conventional generally cylindrical metal paint containers. Generally circular raised shoulder 14 is illustrated as comprising inwardly extending ridge 14 a at about its upper end, which forms one leg of interior slot 14 b, with top surface 13 forming the other leg. Interior slot 14 b, is sized to accept the base ridge of a metal cylindrical quart, pint or the like, with removal of the base ridge of the can being resisted by inwardly extending ridge 14 a. Forming the receptacle from a resilient plastic, enables forced outwardly movement of the upper end of raised shoulder 14 to provide secure rotatable mounting of the cylindrical can to the top surface of the receptacle.

[0059] Raised shoulder 15, is sized to engage a cylindrical metal paint can of greater diameter than raised shoulder 14, for example a conventional cylindrical gallon metal paint can. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, raised shoulder 15 is stepped, so as to comprise support shoulder 15 c as well as inwardly extending ridge 15 a. Support shoulder 15 c is arranged at about the same height of raised shoulder 14, so that inwardly extending ridge 15 a forms one leg of slot 15 b while support shoulder 15 c forms the other, arranged to securely hold the gallon paint above raised shoulder 14. Similarly to raised shoulder 14, forming the receptacle from a resilient plastic, enables forced outwardly movement of the upper end of raised shoulder 15 to provide secure mounting of the cylindrical can to above raised shoulder 14 to the receptacle.

[0060] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention wherein a generally flat bottom surface, topple resistant receptacle of the invention is illustrated as having a generally polygonal top surface 23 comprising generally a polygonal paint can securing means illustrated as raised shoulder 24 surrounded by spill retaining wall 26. Spill retaining wall 26 is illustrated as a double walled structure comprising inner wall 26 a and outer wall 26 b spaced apart by slot 26 c. Connecting edge 26 d, connects outer wall 26 b to inner wall 26 a and is illustrated as comprising elongate guide members 27, which are sized and dimensioned to insert into slot 26 c to enable stacking of multiple receptacles of the same or similar embodiment and are spaced apart to provide a defined area to rest the handle or the like of a painters tool therein.

[0061] In this illustrated embodiment, paint can securing means comprises an intimately molded, generally polygonal raised shoulder 24 which extends upwardly from the top surface 23 of the receptacle and comprises inwardly extending ridge 24 a at about its upper end, which is particularly suitable for gripping a mating base mold ridge generally found on recently commercialized polygonal plastic paint containers. It should be understood, that polygonal raised shoulder securing arrangements may also be arranged as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, to engage varying sizes of polygonal plastic paint containers, and/or a securing means may comprise a mixture of polygonal and cylindrical shoulder arrangements. It should be further understood that the generally shape of the receptacle does not limit such receptacle to a particular shape of the paint can securing means.

[0062] FIGS. 7-9, illustrate a slot shielding device of the invention generally comprising a disk 30, having a top side 30 a, a bottom side 30 b, an exterior perimeter 31, an interior perimeter 32 and central opening 33.

[0063] Exterior perimeter 31 is generally sized larger than the outside diameter of a selected conventional cylindrical paint can for which it is intended for use, and interior perimeter 32 is generally sized smaller than the interior diameter of the opening of such selected conventional cylindrical paint can. Top side 30 a comprises raised lip 30 c along exterior perimeter 31 arranged to resist the flow of paint to the exterior sides of the paint can. Bottom side 30 b of the disk comprises generally concentric first and second raised shoulders 34 and 35 respectively, which form attachment slot 36. Shoulder 35 is sized and dimensioned to engage the inside perimeter of the opening to the selected cylindrical paint can and shoulder 34 is sized and dimensioned to engage the outside perimeter of such selected cylindrical paint can and securely grip the top of such selected cylindrical paint can in attachment slot 36 between the shoulders sufficient to resist casual removal of the disk from such selected cylindrical can.

[0064] Raised shoulder 35, comprises raised ridge 35 a which extends outwardly toward raised shoulder 34 of the disk, raised ridge 35 a being dimensioned to forcibly engage a ridge generally comprised along the interior perimeter of the opening of conventional metal cylindrical paint cans for improving grip thereto. Gripping tab 37, is arranged along exterior perimeter 31 and is illustrated comprising opening 37 a. Wiping bar 38, with openings 38 b, is illustrated as forming a generally flat, straight cord edge 38 a, between spaced points 32 a and 32 b along the interior perimeter 32. Raised wiping shield 39, extends upwardly from top side 30 a of disk 30, along interior perimeter 32, from about spaced point 32 a to about spaced point 32 b. In the illustrated embodiment, wiping shield 39 extends beyond both spaced points.

[0065] FIGS. 10-12, illustrate a further embodiment of a slot shielding device of the invention generally comprising a disk 40, having a top side 40 a, a bottom side 40 b, an exterior perimeter 41, an interior perimeter 42 and central opening 43.

[0066] Top side 40 a comprises raised lip 40 c along exterior perimeter 41, arranged to resist the flow of paint to the exterior sides of the paint can. Generally concentric first and second raised shoulders 44 and 45 respectively, arranged along bottom side 40 b, form attachment slot 46. Raised shoulder 45, comprises raised ridge 45 a which extends outwardly toward raised shoulder 44 of the disk, for improving grip. Gripping tab 47, is arranged along exterior perimeter 41 and is illustrated comprising opening 47 a. Wiping bar 48, forming opening 48 b is illustrated as forming a generally flat, cord edge 48 a, between spaced points 42 a and 42 b along the interior perimeter 42 with angled edge 48 c extending inwardly into central opening 43 for engaging the edges of a paint brush. Raised wiping shield 49, extends upwardly from top side 40 a of disk 40, along interior perimeter 42, from about point 42 a well beyond spaced point 42 b to spaced point 42 c.

[0067] In this illustrated embodiment, the brush tending device has means for securing a paint brush in an upright position in the paint container, comprising elongate resilient member 50, which is intimately molded at end 50 a to interior perimeter 42, shown extending into central opening 43 of the disk in a normal rest position with gripping surface 50 b proximate to backing surface 51 arranged along the interior perimeter of the disk. Forcibly deforming resilient member 50 from its resting position moves gripping surface 50 b thereof away from backing surface 51 sufficient to engage a painting brush inserted therebetween and forcibly engage the brush between the gripping surface and the backing surface.

[0068] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an embodiment of an adapter plate of the invention, useful for converting a topple resistant receptacle having an intimately molded cylindrical paint can securing means to a means for securing a polygonal paint can. In the illustrated embodiment, adapter plate 60, comprises generally polygonal base plate 61, having top surface 61 a and bottom surface 61 b. Top surface 61 a comprises an intimately molded, generally polygonal raised shoulder 62 extending upwardly from the perimeter of top surface 61 a which comprises inwardly extending ridge 62 a at about its upper end, which is particularly suitable for gripping a mating base mold ridge generally found on recently commercialized polygonal plastic. Bottom surface 61 b of base plate 61 comprises a generally circular raised shoulder 63 which is intimately molded and extending upwardly therefrom, configured to engage a mating generally circular raised shoulder of a cylindrical paint can securing means of a topple resistant receptacle. Raised shoulder 63 is sized and dimensioned to be representative of a cylindrical metal paint container and outwardly extending ridge 63 a, is sized dimensioned and configured to represent a typical base ridge formed at in connecting the base of a metal paint container to the cylindrical side thereof. In operation, raised shoulder 63 of the adapter plate is grasped by the securing means of the topple resistant receptacle as it would grasp a conventional generally cylindrical metal paint container, with outwardly extending ridge 63 a functioning as the base ridge of the container.

[0069]FIG. 16, illustrates an embodiment of a ladder hook of the invention shown mounted to a generally rectilinear end of a topple resistant receptacle of the invention in phantom.

[0070] Therein, ladder hook 70 is illustrated as formed from a continuous metal rod, comprising a generally “U” shaped first end 71 configured to removably mount to a rung of a ladder and two spaced opposite ends 72 and 73, arranged to connect at spaced positions to a generally rectilinear end 75 of a topple resistant receptacle of the invention. The ladder hook is folded over to form closely spaced generally parallel connected rods at first end 71, which are thereafter bent away from each other to form two spaced opposite ends. Opposite ends 72 and 73 are bent to a generally “V” shaped configuration suitable to insert through openings along opposite walls of the generally rectilinear end of the receptacle. Spacer 74, is arranged proximate “U” shaped end 71, and engage the generally parallel spaced connected rods to retain the spaced integrity thereof. Spacer is 74 is formed from. a resilient material and resilient tab 74 a thereof is arranged to removably grip the wire handle 76 of a conventional cylindrical paint container, shown in phantom, between the tab and the generally parallel spaced connected rods. 

I claim:
 1. A painter's portable tool kit comprising a topple resistant receptacle having a paint can securing means surrounded by a spill retainer wall, and a paint can slot shield.
 2. A kit of claim 1 wherein said receptacle comprises a shallow pan shaped container having a generally flat bottom surface, said retainer wall extending upwardly from about the perimeter thereof and forming a liquid holding well therewith.
 3. A kit of claim 2 wherein said retainer wall is a double-walled arrangement comprising spaced inner and outer walls connected about along top margins thereof.
 4. A kit of claim 3 wherein a bottom edge of said outer wall faces downwardly and extends slightly below the plane of said flat bottom surface of said receptacle.
 5. A kit of claim 2 wherein said receptacle comprises a generally flat inner surface and said paint can securing means comprises a raised shoulder arranged on said inner surface of said receptacle, said raised shoulder being sized, dimensioned and configured to engage a protruding ridge of a paint container.
 6. A kit of claim 5 wherein said raised shoulder comprises a rib configured to resist withdrawal of said protruding ridge from engagement with said raised shoulder.
 7. A kit of claim 5 wherein at least one of said raised shoulder, rib and protruding ridge is resilient.
 8. A kit of claim 5 wherein said raised shoulder is arranged to engage a protruding ridge along an edge connecting a base and side of a metal paint container.
 9. A kit of claim 8 wherein a protruding ridge of a metal paint container is generally circular and said raised shoulder of said securing means is generally circular.
 10. A kit of claim 5 wherein a said raised shoulder is generally rectilinear.
 11. A kit of claim 2 wherein said receptacle is oblong, having a rectilinear shape at one end and a curved shape at the opposite end.
 12. A kit of claim 3 wherein said receptacle comprises at least one guide member extending from means connecting said top margins of said spaced inner and outer walls.
 13. A kit of claim 2 wherein the surface area of the bottom surface of said receptacle is at least twice the surface area of the bottom surface of a cylindrical gallon metal paint can.
 14. A kit of claim 1 wherein said slot shield comprises a disk having a top side, bottom side, central opening and exterior perimeter.
 15. A kit of claim 14 wherein said disk comprises a brush bristle wiping means.
 16. A kit of claim 15 wherein said brush bristle wiping means comprises a generally straight wiping edge.
 17. A kit of claim 16 wherein comprising a further wiping edge extending angularly from said generally straight wiping edge.
 18. A kit of claim 15 wherein said central opening of said disk is generally circular and said brush bristle wiping means comprises a wiping bar having a wiping edge arranged between spaced points along the perimeter of the generally circular central opening.
 19. A kit of claim 14 wherein said central opening of said disk is generally circular and generally concentric with said exterior perimeter of said disk, and said bottom side of said disk comprises spaced, generally concentric, first and second raised shoulders arranged respectively along about the perimeter of said central opening and said exterior perimeter of said disk.
 20. A kit of claim 19 comprising a gripping tab extending from about said exterior perimeter of said disk.
 21. A kit of claim 19 wherein an inside surface of said first raised shoulder of said disk comprises a ridge arranged to engage an inside surface of a generally circular opening to a paint can.
 22. A kit of claim 18 wherein said disk further comprises a wiping shield.
 23. A kit of claim 22 wherein said wiping shield comprises a raised shoulder arranged on said top side of said disk along about said perimeter of the central opening, adjacent to said wiping bar.
 24. A kit of claim 14 wherein said disk comprises a brush securing means.
 25. A kit of claim 24 wherein said brush securing means comprises a resilient gripping means arranged to secure a brush against a backing surface.
 26. A kit of claim 25 wherein said resilient gripping means comprises an elongate resilient member extending into said central opening of said disk, arranged to forcible engage a painters brush between the resilient member and a backing surface arranged at the perimeter of said central opening.
 27. A kit of claim 1 comprising an adapter plate.
 28. A kit of claim 27 wherein said adapter plate comprises a plate having a circular raised shoulder on a first side and a rectilinear raised shoulder on the opposite side, one of said shoulders being configured to engage said paint can securing means, the other being configured to secure a paint can thereto.
 29. A kit of claim 1 comprising a ladder hook.
 30. A kit of claim 29 wherein said ladder hook comprises a generally “U” shaped first end configured to removably mount to a rung of a ladder and two or more spaced opposite ends arranged to connect at spaced positions to an end of said receptacle.
 31. A kit of claim 30 wherein said ladder hook is formed from a single wire rod, folded over at about its center to form two closely spaced generally parallel rods connected at a first end and shaped to form a generally “U” shape suitable to loop over a ladder rung; said rods being thereafter separated to form spaced opposite ends, arranged to securely engage opposite sides of said receptacle.
 32. A topple resistant receptacle comprising: a shallow pan shaped container having a generally flat bottom surface and a generally flat inner surface; a retainer wall extending upwardly from about the perimeter said bottom surface and forming a liquid holding well therewith; said retainer wall being a double-walled arrangement comprising spaced inner and outer walls connected along top margins thereof; wherein said inner surface comprises a raised shoulder thereon, said raised shoulder being sized, dimensioned and configured to engage and forcible mount a protruding ridge of a paint container thereto.
 33. A slot shield comprising: a disk having a top side, bottom side, central opening and exterior perimeter; a wiping bar having a wiping edge arranged between spaced points along the perimeter of said central opening; spaced, first and second concentric raised shoulders arranged on said bottom side of said disk, respectively proximate the perimeter of said central opening and said exterior perimeter; wherein a side surface of said first raised shoulder of said disk comprises a ridge arranged to engage an inside surface of a generally circular opening to a paint can.
 34. A slot shield of claim 33 comprising a gripping tab extending from about said exterior perimeter of said disk.
 35. A slot shield of claim 33 comprising a generally straight wiping edge.
 36. A slot shield of claim 35 comprising a further wiping edge extending angularly from said generally straight wiping edge.
 37. A slot shield of claim 33 wherein said disk further comprises a wiping shield comprising a raised shoulder arranged on said top side of said disk along about said perimeter of the central opening, adjacent to said wiping bar.
 38. A slot shield of claim 33 comprising an elongate resilient member extending into said central opening of said disk, said resilient member arranged to forcible secure a painters brush between said resilient member and a backing surface arranged at the perimeter of said central opening. 